Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 22.djvu/351

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But the sunshine lasted only a few minutes, and the greater part of the oration was delivered during a pouring rain.

THE UNVEILING SCENE.

As Mr. Cave concluded the bugle signal was given to prepare for the unveiling, and little Edward Stevens McCarthy, representing the Confederate army, and little Mary Curtis, representing the navy, preceded by their respective veteran supporters, John J. O'Neil and Charles Laylon, who bore Confederate flags, and followed by Mr. Carlton McCarthy, a male relative of the little girl, and Mr. Norman V. Randolph, marched from the grand stand along the avenue formed by the Blacksburg cadets to the foot of the monument.

Again the bugle notes rang out, the cords were pulled, and amid the thunder of artillery, crashing volleys of musketry, and cheers from thousands of throats, the veil fell slowly away and the sentinel soldier, crowning the column, was exposed to view.

A SUPERB STREET PARADE.

The parade, bright and beautiful, representing, as it did, what of the Confederacy there remains to tell the soul-harrowing tales of 1861-1865, and portraying the patriotism, valor and military spirit of another generation, was a brilliant incident to the unveiling. It was more than two miles in length, and in it was represented not only the chivalry and citizen soldiery of Virginia, but the fidelity and love of Maryland, of North Carolina, of South Carolina, and of the National Capital for the " Lost Cause." It was a demonstration that reflected to the world the glory of a sentiment cherished for thirty-three years, and the enthusiastic interest of a grateful people.

The pageant for it was indeed a pageant was witnessed by some- thing like 100,000 people, and nearly one-tenth as many participated in the procession. It was headed by 2,000 children, clad in costumes of white, wearing red, white and red sashes, and carrying Confed- erate colors. The little ones constituted one of the most unique and impressive features of the parade. As the great column moved through the crowded streets there was almost continuous cheering. Frequent outbursts of enthusiasm greeted the honored organizations, as the war-worn standards were observed by the eager spectators.

From the windows and roofs, from cornices and fences, from balco- nies, and even from the umbrageous branches of the stately elms and oaks which line the thoroughfares, went out in vociferous